Sequenced chamber wave generator controller and method

ABSTRACT

A wave generating apparatus mobile application controller and method are provided in which a mobile controller actuates a plurality of wave generating chambers in sequence using a delay between the actuation of each chamber to produce a rideable wave in a pool. The mobile application controller allows the user to select the exact type of wave to be produced by the wave generator apparatus by selecting the size, shape, and pattern of the wave. The application also allows the user to use a camera to photograph or record herself or someone else, even while riding a wave.

1.0 TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to wave generators, such as, forexample, wave generators for making waves in pools for recreationalpurposes.

2.0 BACKGROUND

Wave generators are often used for recreational purposes. Wavegenerators create one or more waves in a pool or the like, and peopletypically either play in the waves or use the waves for aquatic sportssuch as board sports. Aquatic board sports, such as surfing andbodyboarding, require that the waves be rideable. Enthusiasts in thesetypes of sports often use wave generators for competition, practice andentertainment.

Existing wave generators typically use wave generating chambers toproduce a wave that travels in a direction where the peak of the wave issubstantially parallel to the chambers and to the beach as it travelsfrom the chambers towards the beach, and the wave is produced when thewave generating chambers (either one chamber or multiple chambers) areall activated simultaneously, resulting in the water being pushed awayfrom the wave generating chambers. The wave then travels away from thechamber until it reaches the opposite end of the pool, breaking at somepoint between the wave generating chamber and the opposite end of thepool. The waves that are created from these chambers, however, alwaysrequire single or multiple chambers to actuate simultaneously in unison.The waves can only be ridden for a short period of time and distancebecause after the wave is created, it begins to decrease in amplitudeand quickly becomes not rideable. Japan App. No. 04-037314 (JPOPublication No. 05-202626) discloses a pool that produces waves thattravel in a perpendicular direction from one side toward the other sideof the pool. The side walls of the pool are in a fan shape to allowpeople to ride the wave longer and to avoid hitting the wall. Thisapparatus, however, only produces single waves that travelperpendicularly away from the generating apparatus until the wavereaches the opposite end of the pool, and does not teach sequencing.That apparatus attempts to provide a longer ride on the wave by simplyangling the walls in a fan shape, but does not compensate for the wavelosing amplitude and strength.

Other types of wave generating pools use a high velocity sheet of watershot over a bed form in the shape of a wave. These are not “true” waves,but rather water shaped into a wave. An example includes U.S. Pat. No.5,236,280 which discloses a “Sheet Flow Water Ride.” There are severalshortcoming with this prior art. First, a conventional surf board withfins cannot be used, because the fins would extend too deeply into thesheet flow of water and would touch the bed form underneath. Second, thebed form is static, such that only one type of “wave” can be produced.

What is needed is an apparatus that overcomes the shortcomings of theprior art, including providing an apparatus that can create a variety ofrideable waves, and can further provide the rider with the ability tocustomize the wave characteristics, including the wave's size, shape,and pattern.

3.0 SUMMARY

What is provided herein is an aquatic sports amusement apparatus thatincludes a pool, a plurality of wave generating chambers thatcommunicate with the pool so as to release water into the pool, and amobile application controller that operates the chambers, such that eachchamber in the plurality releases water to create waves. The controllercan be connected to the plurality of chambers via a network connection;such a connection could include a local area network, a wirelessnetwork, the internet and/or a virtual private network. The controllercould be located at a distant location from the pool and chambercomplex, and the controller may be a smart phone, a personal computer, apersonal digital assistant, a laptop and/or a tablet computer.

The controller also may have a graphical user interface (GUI) with awave creation module, a wave ride module and a viewing module. Throughthese modules, users can create wave profiles and graphically modelthese wave profiles before actually creating the wave. The wave profilescan be shared with others. The GUI may also allow the user to videocapture the wave, and then allow the user to view and share that videowith others.

The system can also have a scheduling module to ensure that thecontroller's operation of the chambers is based on a single wave profileat a time. This further allows a user to create a wave profile, savethat profile, and schedule a time to create and ride a wave based onthat profile. This minimizes the user's dissatisfaction in waiting forthe wave machine to be available, while maximizing the use of the wavemachine, with fewer down periods.

Other aspects of the invention are disclosed herein, as discussed in thefollowing Drawings and Detailed Description.

4.0 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingfigures. The components within the figures are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed on clearly illustrating example aspects ofthe invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the different views. It may be understoodthat certain components and details may not appear in the figures toassist in more clearly describing the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of one example embodiment of a wave generatorapparatus in a wave pool with sixteen chambers.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of FIG. 1, illustrating one example embodimentof a wave generating chamber in a wave pool.

FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of a control system for controllingoperation of the sequencing of the delay between actuating each chamberin the apparatus in FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 3 is a top view of one example embodiment of a wave generatorapparatus in a wave pool before any of the chambers have been actuated.

FIG. 4 is a top view of one example embodiment of a wave generatorapparatus in a wave pool, showing the chambers being actuated insequence to generate waves.

FIG. 5 is a top view of one example embodiment of a wave generatorapparatus in a wave pool, showing the chambers being actuated insequence to generate waves.

FIG. 6 is a top view of one example embodiment of a wave generatorapparatus in a wave pool, showing the chambers being actuated insequence to generate waves.

FIG. 7 is a top view of one example embodiment of a wave generatorapparatus in a wave pool, showing diamond patterns created during thesequence, where the diamond patterns are linked at the vertices.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one example embodiment of a wavegenerator apparatus in a wave pool, showing a considerably hollow barrelwave that is created from the surge effect pitching away from thechambers.

FIG. 9 is a top view of one example embodiment of a wave generatorapparatus in a wave pool showing the direction that the wave may travel.

FIG. 10 is a top view of one example embodiment of a wave generatorapparatus in a wave pool, showing multiple directions that the wave canflow depending on the amount of delay in the sequence.

FIG. 11 is a top view of one example embodiment of a wave generatorapparatus in a wave pool, showing multiple directions that the wave canflow, depending on the amount of delay in the sequence.

FIG. 12 is a view from the beach side or the side opposite the wavegenerating chambers of the pool. It shows the progression of the wave asit flows and how the height increases at various instances.

FIG. 13 is a top view of one example embodiment of a wave generatorapparatus in a wave pool with the side wall extending beyond the wavegenerating chambers.

FIG. 13A illustrates the region that is adjacent to the projection ofthe chamber face, allowing the wave to continue to travel into theregion.

FIG. 13B is a top view of a wave generating apparatus with a first andsecond regions extending away from the chambers in a direction that isparallel to the chamber face. Again, these regions extend the ride timeon the waves.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing the size of the wave and the amount of timeit takes the wave to reach that size for a small-scale version of theapparatus with nine chambers.

FIG. 15 illustrates the wave generator apparatus connected to a network,along with mobile application controllers connected to the network.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart that describes the method for controlling thewave generating apparatus from a mobile application controller.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the step for creating a waveprofile.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of the step for creating and modifyinga wave profile.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of the step for creating and modifyinga wave profile.

5.0 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following is a non-limiting written description of example embodimentsillustrating various aspects of the invention. These examples areprovided to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice thefull scope of the invention without having to engage in an undue amountof experimentation. As may be apparent to persons skilled in the art,further modifications and adaptations can be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by theclaims.

The apparatus disclosed herein in various example embodiments provides asequenced-chamber wave-generating apparatus that may be adapted for usewith aquatic board sports or any other suitable purpose, such asminiature modeling of wave formations. The apparatus overcomes thedeficiencies in the prior art by creating a surging motion in the poolthat changes the characteristics of the waves to create a considerablyhollow barreling wave. The flow of water created by thepresently-disclosed sequencing can resemble a diamond pattern andadditional patterns, such as diamonds linked at the vertices. Thesepatterns effectively reduce the depth of the water between successivewaves, which causes the waves to pitch away from the chambers and tocreate a considerably hollow barrel. Additionally, the waves may travelin a direction that is not perpendicular to the wave generatingapparatus, such that the wave strength continues to be replenished asthe waves move across the pool. These are only two examples of wavesthat the wave generator apparatus can create.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a wave generator apparatus,which comprises a pool or container 50, a body of water 52, a pluralityof wave generating chambers 54 (each chamber is individually numbered1-16), and a controller 62 to operate the chambers 54. In this exampleembodiment, there are sixteen wave generating chambers 54. Althoughthere is no specifically required number of wave generating chambers 54(other example embodiments include twenty-four and thirty-two chambers,for instance), too few chambers 54 in the apparatus may not be able toproduce sufficient resolution to create a wave that can be ridden. Inone example embodiment, each chamber is 10 feet by 5 feet by 3 feet,giving each chamber a capacity of 150 cubic feet. Other exampleembodiments may have wave generating chambers as big as 260 cubic feetor more. It would be apparent to those skilled in the art to modify thesize and water displacement of the chambers as needed for specificapplications.

The pool 50 may be rectangularly shaped and holds the body of water 52.The pool 50 has a first end 58, a second end 60, two sides 44, 46, and afloor 36. The first end 58 is comprised of a plurality of chambers 54adjacent to one another, and the second end 60 is at the opposite end ofthe pool where the beach 42 is located. The two sides 44, 46 are atopposite ends of the pool 50. The first end 58, second end 60, and twosides 44, 46 act as walls for the pool 50 to contain the body of water52, along with the floor 36 that is under the body of water 52. The bodyof water 52 rests in the pool 50 and may be in a still state until thechambers 54 begin to actuate in sequence and create a wave using thebody of water 52 in the pool 50.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a single wave generatingchamber 54, which can comprise a chamber space 56 having a back wall 18,an upper wall 20, and a reflecting wall 22 at the rear wall of the poolthat faces the body of water 52 in the pool 50. An example may be thatof U.S. Pat. No. 7,815,396 to McFarland, the same inventor of thepresent application, and the contents of that patent are incorporatedherein by reference. A passageway 30 at the lower end of wall 22 allowscommunication of water between the chamber 54 and the body of water 52in the pool. A mechanical two-way valve 24 may be located in passageway30.

The chambers 54 may be connected to an air supply through an inlet valve26 located close to the upper end of the chamber back wall 18 and mayalso be connected to a vent valve 28 in the upper wall 32, which may beconnected to a vacuum pump. The floor 36 of the pool may have a first,upwardly inclined portion 38 extending from the passageway 30 away fromthe wave reflecting wall 22, a generally flat portion 40, and anupwardly inclined portion or beach 42 at the opposite, second end 60 ofthe pool 50.

In the operation of this example embodiment, the chamber 54 is firstfilled with air through the valve 26, thereby displacing water into thepool 50. The valve 26 is then closed, and the chamber air is ventedsuddenly through the vent valve 28, causing the water 52 to flow fromthe pool 50 through passageway 30 into the now empty space 56 in thechamber 54. The water level in the pool drops suddenly, creating adepression or trough in the water that reflects against the back or wavereflecting wall 22 of the pool 50. This creates a circulating motion ofthe water, which is enhanced by the design of the back wall 22. The ventvalve 28 in the air chamber is shut at the proper time to preventimmediate water resurgence back into the pool 50, which enhances thesecond trough behind the peak. The mechanical two-way valve 24 can alsobe used to prevent immediate resurgence. The water valve 24 may beclosed during the initial air fill phase to create a larger air volumein the chamber which, when released, creates a larger depression in thepool. Alternatively, the air valve 26 can rapidly supply pressurized airto the chamber after the chamber is filled with water, to push water outand amplify the wave peak. This process of pushing water out of thechamber and into the pool is known as releasing water. Alternatively,the vent valve 28 may be connected to a vacuum source such as a vacuumpump, or may be a vent outlet connected via suitable valving either tothe atmosphere or to a vacuum source.

As illustrated schematically in FIG. 2A, the electronic controller 62may be electrically connected with the valves 26, 28 and 24 in order tocontrol the operation in the manner described above. The controller 62may control this operation for each chamber, such that the controller 62actuates each of the chambers in sequence. The controller 62 may beginby actuating the first chamber or the first set of chambers in theplurality. After a predetermined delay, the controller 62 actuates thesecond chamber or the second set of chambers in the plurality, and,after another predetermined delay, actuates the third chamber or thethird set of chambers in the plurality. This may continue for a fourthchamber or the fourth set of chambers, or any number of additionalchambers or additional set of chambers. The controller 62 continuesactuating each chamber in the plurality after a delay. FIG. 2Aillustrates that the controller 62 controls the valves in each chamberso that after actuating the first chamber or the first set of chambers,it can control the valves in that chamber or set of chambers and, aftera delay, actuate the second chamber or the second set of chambers andcontrol its valves. The controller 62 can actuate each chamber insequence after a delay and can control the valves.

5.1 Diamond Pattern Waves

The wave generator apparatus has the ability to create waves where thepeak of the wave travels in a direction that is substantially parallelto the chambers 54 and to the beach 42 as it travels from the chambers54 towards the beach 42. The peak of the wave is defined as the highestwater level in the pool. The direction the peak travels is the path thatthe peak of the wave flows during the life of the wave.

To create the wave, the controller 62 may actuate the chambers 54 in asequence with a delay between actuating each chamber or set of chambers54, as described above. The delay is approximately a fraction of thechamber period. In the present example embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 3-6,nine chambers 1-9 are used to produce a wave that can be ridden wherethe peak of the wave is substantially parallel to the chambers 54 and tothe beach 54 as it travels from the chambers 54 towards the beach 42.

The wave is created by a surging motion in the pool 50 that changes thecharacteristics of the wave to create a considerably hollow barrelingwave. As seen in FIG. 7, the flow of water created by the sequenceresembles a diamond pattern, and additional patterns would resemblediamonds linked at the vertices. This pattern effectively reduces thedepth of the water in the pool 50 between successive waves, which causesthe waves to pitch away from the chambers and to create a considerablyhollow barrel, as seen in FIG. 8.

By way of example, the sequence may begin with the chambers 54 on theedges of the pool to initiate the first wave segment 105 shown in FIG.4. Chambers 1-2 and 8-9 actuate to begin the sequence. After the delay,a second wave segment 110 shown in FIG. 5 is generated in the sequencefrom the center chambers between the edge segments (i.e., actuatingchambers 3-7). The sequence continues to actuate the chambers togenerate the first and second wave segment steps using the same delay.Therefore, the chambers operate in sequence, not all in unison.

This sequence creates the surging effect 115 in the pool 50 that createsbarreling waves that are more hollow, i.e., the barrel-shaped wave 120preferred by wave riding enthusiasts, as seen in FIG. 8. In otherembodiments, the sequence can begin with the inner chambers and continuewith the outer chambers. For example, the sequence may begin withchambers 54 in the center of the pool initiating a first wave segment.Chambers 3-7 could actuate to begin the sequence. After the delay, asecond wave segment may be generated in the sequence from both sides ofthe first, center wave segment. This could be chambers 1-2 and 8-9.After a delay of the same or similar length, a third wave segment couldbe generated in the sequence from chambers 3-7, for instance. In eitherexample embodiment, the sequence may continue to actuate the chambers togenerate the second and third wave segment steps using the same orsimilar delay. Also, each segment can be produced by a single chamber orby two or more chambers, and the sequence can include more than twosegments.

Moreover, when multiple adjacent chambers 54 actuate during eachsegment, there can be a secondary delay for each chamber. For instance,using the example sequence seen in FIGS. 4-5, during segment one,chambers 1-2 and 8-9 will all actuate using the primary delay, but withthe secondary delay, they do not have to all actuate simultaneously. Thesecondary delay can actuate chambers 2 and 8 at a very slight delayafter chambers 1 and 9 actuate. This secondary delay can be sequencedwith any chambers within the primary delay sequence.

This type of sequencing can produce waves where the peak of the wave issubstantially parallel to the chambers 54 and to the beach 42 as ittravels from the chambers 54 towards the beach 42. As seen in FIG. 7,the pattern of the waves may resemble diamonds from a top view, andadditional patterns may resemble diamonds linked at the vertices. Thediamond effect is a result of the multiple wave segments generated inthe sequence. This diamond pattern 125 creates a surging motion 115 inthe entire pool 50 due to the sequence creating multiple waves 105, 110.The surging motion changes the breaking characteristics of the waves'natural flow. Indeed, the diamond pattern 125 reduces the depth of thewater between successive waves because the previous wave will push thewater away from the chambers 54 and towards the beach end 42. Thiscauses waves to pitch away from the chambers 54 and to create aconsiderably hollow barrel 120. Additionally, the surge 115 interactswith the wave 110 near the end of its break, which increases the waveheight or amplitude, just as backwash interacts with waves in the ocean.

The fractional delay between actuating each chamber 54 or set ofchambers may be proportional to the chamber period. The chamber periodis the time it takes a chamber to release the water and to refill to thepredetermined level. To refill, the chamber 54 may permit a fixed amountof water, if any, to reenter the chamber 54. When a chamber completesits period, the chamber is prepared to actuate again. To produce waveswhere the peak of the wave is substantially parallel to the chambers 54and to the beach 42 as it travels from the chambers 54 towards the beach42, the controller operation may actuate each chamber 54 or set ofchambers, using a delay in sequenced fashion. For example, just afterthe first segment (first chamber or first set of chambers) completes thewave production portion of its period, the controller 62 may actuate thesecond segment (second chamber or second set of chambers), and it beginsits period. This sequence may be repeated with each segment (chamber orset of chambers) using the same or a similar delay, with the controller62 operating the sequencing.

The controller 62 operates the sequenced fashion or sequencing, whichcomprises each chamber in the plurality actuating after a delay andcompleting a chamber period. The chamber period that is used as thedelay by the controller 62 may be approximately one chamber period. Theamount of delay in the sequence can be adjusted to as low as 0.10 of achamber period to adjust the amplitude of the wave and the directionthat the wave peak may travel. The delay may be more than one chamberperiod. Also, the delay may vary between adjacent chambers.

When a chamber 54 or set of chambers has completed the process ofpushing out the water or air needed to create a wave (for example, afterhalf of the entire chamber period), the subsequent chamber or set ofchambers can activate in the sequence. This allows the waves to continueto flow and to create a surging effect. For example, in the exampleembodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5, each chamber period may be completed intwo seconds. Therefore, the delay in the sequence would be set at onesecond, which is half of the chamber period. When each segment iscompleted, a new wave segment is then produced in sequence. While thisexample uses half of the chamber period as the delay in the sequence,similar sequences may be created with timing delays that are sequencedto actuate a chamber 54 or set of chambers during or soon after theprevious chamber's or set of chambers' period.

The amplitude or height of the peak 130 of the wave 110 createdgenerally depends on the size of the wave generating apparatus. However,the surge that is created using the present system increases the heightof the wave over other designs because the surge 115 interacts with thewave 110 near the end of its break, as shown in FIG. 8, e.g. barrelingperspective view following the sequence in FIG. 6. This interactionpushes the wave up to create a higher, bigger wave that tends to havedesirable barreling characteristics.

5.2 Wave Peak that Travels in a Direction not Perpendicular to the WaveGenerating Apparatus

The wave generator apparatus has the ability to create waves where thepeak of the wave travels in a direction that is not substantiallyperpendicular to the ends of the pool and the one or more chambers 54,as illustrated in FIG. 9. The peak of the wave is defined as the highestwater level in the pool. The direction the peak travels is the path thatthe peak of the wave travels during the life of the wave. Although thewave may reach the beach end 42 of the pool opposite the chambers, thewave peak may continue to travel in a direction that is notperpendicular to the chambers 54.

To create a wave where the peak travels in a direction that is notsubstantially perpendicular to the chambers 54, the controller 62 mayactuate the chambers 54 in a sequence with a delay between actuatingeach chamber, as described above. The delay is approximately a fractionof the chamber period. In the present example embodiment, sixteenchambers 1-16 are used to produce a wave that can be ridden, and thepeak travels not substantially perpendicular to the chambers 54 indirection A.

The sequence starts with chamber 1 and continues sequentially (in lowestto highest numerical order of the chambers) down the plurality ofchambers, which determines the direction of the wave. The wave breaksnearly right out of the chamber, and the break of the wave allows thepeak to travel in a direction not substantially perpendicular to thechambers. Thus, a rider is able to ride the wave over much of the pool'swater surface area. The peak continues until it reaches the side 44 ofthe pool 50. Although the path that the peak of the wave travels is notexactly parallel to the chambers 54, the pool may be constructed suchthat the peak may reach the side wall 44 before the peak could reach theopposite, beach end 42 of the pool. As each chamber actuates, theapparatus replenishes the wave to continue its momentum such that thewave can continue to be ridden.

Immediately after a chamber 54 is activated, it creates a trough in thebody of water 52 by allowing the water to enter the chamber space 56.The trough is created outside of the chamber 54 where the water enteredthe chamber 54. When the chamber 54 pushes or releases the water out tocreate a wave, the water flows into the area previously vacated and isnow a trough. The sequencing allows the wave to travel not substantiallyperpendicular to the chamber 54 and to break to create a wave.

The fractional delay between actuating each chamber may be proportionalto the chamber period. The chamber period is the time it takes a chamberto release the water and to refill to the predetermined level. Torefill, the chamber 54 may permit a fixed amount of water, if any, toreenter the chamber 54. When a chamber completes its period, the chamberis prepared to actuate again. To create a peak that travels notsubstantially perpendicular to the chambers 54, in direction A, thecontroller operation may actuate each chamber, using a delay, in asequenced fashion. For example, while chamber 1 is in the waveproduction portion of its period, the controller 62 actuates chamber 2,and it begins its period. This sequence is repeated with each chamberusing the same delay, and with the controller 62 operating thesequencing.

The controller operates the sequenced fashion or sequencing, whichcomprises each chamber in the plurality actuating after a delay andcompleting a chamber period. The fraction of the chamber period that isused as the delay by the controller 62 is approximately between 0.75 and0.10. The amount of delay in the sequence can be adjusted within thisrange to adjust the amplitude of the wave and the direction that thewave peak may travel. Also, the delay may vary between adjacentchambers.

By way of example only, a delay of 0.25 can create a wave traveling indirection A, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The 0.25 delay means that thecontroller 62 may actuate chamber 2 when chamber 1 has completed 0.25 ofits chamber period. Likewise, the controller 62 may actuate chamber 3when chamber 2 has completed 0.25 of its chamber period. This delay maycontinue in the entire sequence.

When a chamber 54 is half of the way complete with the process ofpushing out the water or air needed to create a wave (i.e., 0.25 of theentire chamber period), the subsequent chamber can activate in thesequence. This allows the wave to continue in the desired direction A.For example, in the example embodiment in FIG. 9, each chamber period iscompleted in four seconds. Therefore, the delay in the sequence would beset at one second, which is 0.25 of the chamber period. When the entiresequence is completed, a new wave can then be produced using the samesequence. While this example uses 0.25 of the chamber period as thedelay in the sequence, similar waves can be created with timing delaysthat are sequenced to actuate a chamber 54 when the previous chamber 54is in the process of the wave generating phase of the chamber period.

The amplitude or height of the peak of the wave created generallydepends on the size of the wave generating apparatus. However, usingthis sequencing method, the peak traveling in direction A has anamplitude of nearly twice that of the peak traveling perpendicular tothe chambers 54 in direction C. The peak of the wave may increase as itbuilds through the first few chambers in the sequence, until it reachesits maximum height. For example, using chambers 54 that are 150 cubicfeet, the wave reaches about six feet in height. Conversely, a wavewithout sequencing that travels in a direction perpendicular to the wavegenerating chambers 54, in direction C, may reach a height of aboutthree feet.

For example, using a small version of the wave generating apparatus withonly nine chambers yielded the results presented in FIG. 14. When asequence with 0.25 delay is performed, a trough is created at 0.5seconds, and the wave dramatically starts to build at 0.75 seconds,which is roughly when the third chamber is actuated. The wave has a peakof 2 inches at this point, which is a dramatic increase from 0.5seconds, when the wave height was 0 inches. At about 1.25 seconds, thewave starts to crest just past the third chamber, when the peak reaches2.5 inches. The wave's peak heightens to 3 inches when it reaches thefourth chamber. This occurs at 1.5 seconds, which coincides with whenthe sixth chamber is actuated by the controller 62. At 2 seconds, thepeak reaches its maximum height of 3.2 inches. Conversely, a wavetraveling in a direction perpendicular to the chambers 54 has a maximumpeak height of only 2 inches.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the wave increases in height as it continuesto flow, and the chambers 54 continue to push the wave. The wave size orheight increases as a result of each chamber 54 releasing water into thepool, which pushes into the same piece of wave, causing it to amplify.The same piece of wave is pushed when each chamber actuates. Thisprocess continues through the beginning portion of the sequence or firstfew chambers until the wave reaches its maximum height. If there are toofew chambers 54, the wave may not be smooth enough to ride. Likewise, ifthe chambers 54 produce a wave too big, it may be too choppy and notsmooth enough to ride.

The direction of the peak is determined by the delay in the sequencingof the chambers. FIG. 10 illustrates the different directions the peakcan travel depending on the delay between the chambers. For example, ifthere is no delay, and each chamber 54 actuates at the same time, thepeak may travel perpendicular to the chambers 54 in the direction Ctowards the beach 42. When the controller 62 uses sequencing for a delaybetween each chamber 54, the peak may travel in more of an angleddirection, in accordance with the order of the sequence. Here, in FIG.10, the sequence starts with chamber 1 actuating, then chamber 2, thenchamber 3, and continues down the plurality of chambers 54 until chamber16 actuates. The peak may flow towards the side 44 when this sequencecontinues.

An increase in the delay sequence may cause the peak to travel in adirection that is more angled towards the side 44. For example, ashortened delay in the sequence would result in the peak traveling inthe direction B, which flows more obliquely towards the side 44. Whenincreasing the delay even more, the peak can travel not substantiallyperpendicular to the chambers 54 towards the side 44 in the direction A.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the peak can also travel in the otherdirection towards the side 46. To do so, the sequence would have tostart at chamber 16 and end at chamber 1. A shortened delay between thecontroller 62 actuating the chambers may result in the peak traveling insomewhat of an angle towards the side 46, in the direction E. A longerdelay between the controller 62 actuating the chambers can result in thepeak traveling not substantially perpendicular to the chambers in thedirection D, towards the side 46. Also, chambers 16 and 1 could beactuated at the same time, then the adjacent chamber actuated after adelay, and so on, such that two wave peaks are created, one moving inthe direction D (FIG. 11) and one moving in the direction A (FIG. 10).

FIG. 13 illustrates an example embodiment where the pool 52 extendsbeyond the chambers 54 to form a region 55 (shaded). The chambers formand edge of the pool 52, and define a chamber face 52-1. The region 55extends away from the chambers 54 in a direction that is parallel to thechamber face (see arrow 52-2). As shown, the region 55 may extendlaterally away from the chambers 54 by a length that is greater than thewidth of a single chamber (FIG. 13 shows a region 55 extendingapproximately eight chamber widths). Stated another way, and as shown inFIG. 13A, the region 55 is adjacent to the projection of the chamberface 52-1 across the pool (shown as shaded area 52-3) to the beach 42.This allows the wave to continue to travel into the region 55 after thesequence is complete, thus allowing a rider more time to ride thecreated wave. Shown in FIG. 13B is a top view of a wave generatingapparatus with a first region 55 extending away from the chambers 54 ina direction that is parallel to the chamber face (see arrow 52-2). Onthe opposite side of the chambers 54 is a second region 55B extendingaway from the chambers 54 in a direction that is parallel to the chamberface (see arrow 52-4). The pool 52 has a curved beach 42 along part ofthe first region 55. Again, these regions extend the ride time on thewaves.

5.3 System for Controlling the Wave Generator Apparatus

As discussed above, the wave generator can produce a variety of wavesbecause of the sequencing of the individual chambers by the controller.The controller has until now been described as residing at the wavegenerator facility. This, however, need not be the case. The wavegenerator apparatus may actually be controlled by the user through amobile application controller. The mobile application controller may beused on a variety of platforms, such as smartphones (e.g., iPhone,Droid, etc.), tablets (e.g., iPad, Nexus, etc.), laptops, personaldigital assistants and personal computers. Referring to FIG. 15, thecontroller 1510 of the wave generator apparatus 1505 may be connected tothe internet, a local area network (“LAN”), a virtual private network,and/or a wireless network 1515, and the mobile application controllers1520 and 1525 can actually create wave profiles and control the wavegenerator apparatus 1505. By providing mobile application controllers1520 and 1525, users can now create their own wave profiles, downloadthose profiles to the wave generator apparatus 1505 through the internetor LAN 1515, produce the actual wave and ride that wave. Never beforehas a user been able to create a wave and ride that wave. Now they can.

In one embodiment, the interface on the mobile application controllermay include a custom wave profile creator. The user may customize thelag between the chambers of the wave generator apparatus and theactuation of chambers, as well as the sequence of actuation, and mayexperiment with different wave creations. The interface may also includea wave modeling screen, such that the user can see what the customizedwave profile would look like prior to communicating the wave profile tocontroller 1410 and producing an actual wave on the wave generatorapparatus 1405. The user, therefore, can create precisely the wave hedesires. Moreover, the user can save the customized wave profiles, suchthat when the user arrives at the wave generator apparatus, the user canselect that wave profile, execute the profile on the apparatus and ridethe wave. Alternatively, the user can create a wave profile and actuatethe wave generator apparatus remotely for someone else to ride. Imaginecreating a custom wave and having a professional surfer ride yourcreation.

One embodiment of the system is shown in FIG. 16. In the first step1605, the user can enter a username and password so as to retrieveprevious wave profiles and videos the user has made. The login step ispreferable, but optional. After login, the user is asked at step 1610what action he would like to take: enter the wave creation module 1611to create a wave, enter the viewing module 1612 to view a wavevideo/photograph, or enter the wave ride module 1613 to ride a wave.

If the user selects to create a wave profile, the system enters the wavecreation module 1611 and proceeds to step 1615. The details for thisstep will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 17-19. It shouldfurther be noted that the user at step 1615 may select a previouslysaved profile or a shared profile to modify. The user may also select apreset profile that the system may offer, and modify that profile. Thisis discussed in greater detail below. Since this is a system wheremultiple devices can be used, the user may have created a wave profileon his personal computer and saved that profile, however, when hearrives at that wave generating facility, he may want to make some finaltweaks to the wave profile on this smart phone. The system allows forthis flexibility. After creating the wave profile, the user has theoption at step 1620 to have the application render a computer model ofthe wave profile to fully visualize what the wave will look like (seestep 1620). This is an optional, but preferable step in the system. Theuser then may choose to modify (step 1625) the wave profile by returningto step 1615 or to save the wave profile at step 1630. The system maythen ask at step 1635 whether the user would like to share this profilewith another, and if the user so desires, the user would enter the emailaddress or other identifying information at step 1640 such that thesystem can transmit the wave profile to that third party. The systemwould then request whether the user would like to create another waveprofile at step 1645, and if so, the user is returned to step 1615;otherwise, the user may return to step 1610, or may simply log out.

If the user selects at step 1610 to view a video, the system enters theviewing module 1612, and the user must then select which video he wouldlike to view at step 1650. These videos could include videos taken ofthe user riding a particular wave, or video of third parties ridingwaves that have been shared with the user. After viewing the video (step1655), the system may then ask at step 1660 whether the user would liketo share this video with another, and if the user so desires, the userwould enter the email address or other identifying information at step1665 such that the system can transmit the wave video to that thirdparty. Optionally, the system can allow users to assign sharing rights,such that a video from a third party cannot be shared if that thirdparty so chooses. The system would then request whether the user wouldlike to view another wave video at step 1670, and if so, the user isreturned to step 1650; otherwise, the user may return to step 1610, ormay simply log out. It should be noted that the language used herein isa video; however, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art thatstill frame photographs could be captured and used in the system.

If the user selects at step 1610 to ride a wave, the system enters thewave ride module, and the user must then select which wave he would liketo ride at step 1675. The user must also select or determine the wavegenerating facility on which the selected wave will be produced andridden. This is shown at step 1680, and may be accomplished in a numberof ways, including a pull-down menu on the mobile applicationcontroller. Another non-limiting example is that the mobile applicationcontroller could use GPS or the network identification codes toautomatically determine which facility is closest and use that facilityas the one to create the wave. At step 1682, the user may also at thistime schedule a time with the wave generating facility so that he doesnot needlessly wait for his opportunity to ride the wave. Afterselecting the wave, the user may optionally be asked whether he wouldlike to have the ride videotaped (or photographed) at step 1685. If so,the user should then determine which camera or cameras should be used(step 1690). For example, the wave generator facility may have camerasavailable, and the user's mobile application controller may also have acamera. After selecting the cameras, the user may then actuate the wavegenerator apparatus based on the selected wave profile (step 1692).Then, the system would associate the wave profile with the video orphotographs and post those videos for later viewing and/or sharing atsteps 1694 and 1696. The system would then request whether the userwould like to ride another wave at step 1699, and if so, the user isreturned to step 1675; otherwise, the user may return to step 1610, ormay simply log out.

It should be noted that the wave profile can be transmitted and actuatedby a user who is remote to the wave generating facility. This featurecould be used, for example, to allow surfing fans to create waves forprofessional surfers to ride. The fan could see the wave ride in realtime. There are countless promotional activities that can be realizedusing this user defined, remotely actuated, custom wave creation. Itshould also be noted that it is not intended that the modules and stepsdetailed above be in precisely the order described. The order detailedis simply to illustrate the various features of the system.

Turning now to FIG. 17, the steps in creating the wave profile will bediscussed. In one embodiment, the system may allow the user to selectonly three attributes of the wave profile—i.e., (1) size, (2) shape, and(3) pattern (i.e., location/direction and peak number). For example, atstep 1705, the user would select the size of the wave from small, mediumor large. Then at step 1710 the user selects the shape of the wave:mushy or hollow. And, finally, at step 1715, the user selects thepattern of the wave (i.e., direction, location and number of wavepeaks): left traveling, right traveling, center peak, double peak,triple peak. Each of these selections may be discrete, but the graphicaluser interface of the system may provide a slider such that theseselections are more continuous across a range. After making theseselections, the user may view a computer rendering of the wave profileat step 1620.

FIG. 18 provides a more complex interface that a user may use to createa wave profile. The user may for example select a present wave profileor use the interface described with reference to FIG. 17 to create awave profile. The interface could then represent that wave profile on atwo-dimensional graph 1805 with the chamber numbers on one axis 1810 andthe time on the other axis 1815. The wave profile may be represented asa number of blocks 1820 wherein the left size of the block representsthe time along the time axis when that particular chamber is actuated,and the length of the block is the magnitude of the water expelled bythat particular chamber. Thus, the present wave profile of blocks 1820provides instructions to actuate first chamber 1, then after a delaychamber 2, then after a delay chamber 3, then after a delay chamber 4and, finally, after a delay chamber 5. And each actuation of eachchamber is of the same magnitude. The user may then choose to add otherchambers to actuate. For example, on a smartphone application, this mayentail touching an icon of a block 1825 and dragging it (as shown byarrow 1830) it to an appropriate location to actuate chamber 6. Aftermaking these selections, the user may view a computer rendering of thewave profile at step 1620.

FIG. 19 illustrates that not only can the user add new chamberactuations, but the user can also move, modify and delete existingchamber actuations. Again, the user as shown in FIG. 19 starts with aprofile shown by the gray blocks, with chambers 1 and 9 actuatingsimultaneously, then (after a delay) chambers 8 and 2 actuatingsimultaneously, then (after a delay) chambers 7 and 3 actuatingsimultaneously, then (after a delay) chambers 6 and 4 actuatingsimultaneously and finally (after a delay) chamber 5 actuating. The usermay choose to increase the delay of the actuation of chamber 9 by movingthe block 1825 along the arrow labeled 1905. The user can also choose toincrease the delay of the actuation of chamber 8 by moving the block1825 along the arrow labeled 1910. The user can also shorten the lengthof the actuation block of chamber 8 (shown at position 1915) so that thechamber 8 will not expel as much water. The user may also desire to addan actuation of chamber 7 with the same magnitude as that of chamber 8,as shown at position 1920. Finally, the user may add a larger magnitudeactuation of chamber 6 at position 1925. The interface may accomplishthese movements, modifications and deletions by allowing the user todrag existing actuation blocks to new locations, and by allowing a userto modify the magnitude of a block by touching that block on the screenand setting the size (with the size of zero representing a deletion).After making these selections, the user may view a computer rendering ofthe wave profile at step 1620.

As described above, several users can share their wave profiles. Forexample, if a professional surfer creates a particular wave profile,other can following in his footsteps and attempt to ride that wave. Thiscreates a community of surfers and promotes competition that is veryalive in the surfing community. Users can also attempt to improve uponwave profiles that have been shared.

The system may also have a scheduling module such that a user can createand submit a particular wave profile and schedule a time to ride thatwave. This is shown in FIG. 16 as step 1682. This minimizes the user'sdissatisfaction in waiting for the wave machine to be available, whilemaximizing the use of the wave machine, with fewer down periods.

The above description of the disclosed example embodiments is providedto enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention.Various modifications to these example embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principlesdescribed herein can be applied to other example embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to beunderstood that the description and drawings presented herein representa presently preferred example embodiment of the invention and aretherefore representative of the subject matter which is broadlycontemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that thescope of the present invention fully encompasses other exampleembodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and thatthe scope of the present invention is accordingly limited by nothingother than the appended claims.

1. A method of creating a rideable wave in a pool, the pool having aplurality of pneumatic wave generating chambers with a plurality of airsupply valves, the plurality of pneumatic wave generating chambersconstructed to push water in the pool to create the rideable wave, themethod comprising: a. providing an application controller that isconnected to the plurality of air supply valves; b. creating a wavesequence profile that includes instructions to actuate the air supplyvalves in the plurality according to a sequence; c. programming theapplication controller according to the wave sequence profile; d. thecontroller actuating a first air supply valve in the plurality to injectair into a first chamber in the plurality of pneumatic wave generatingchambers thereby pushing water in the pool; e. after a delay, thecontroller actuating a second air supply valve in the plurality toinject air into a second chamber in the plurality of pneumatic wavegenerating chambers thereby pushing water in the pool; wherein steps (d)and (e) are based on the wave sequence profile.
 2. An aquatic sportsapparatus, comprising: a pool; a plurality of pneumatic wave generatingchambers constructed to release water into the pool; a plurality of airsupply valves; a wave sequence profile comprising instructions toactuate the air supply valves in the plurality according to a sequence;and a controller connected to the plurality of air supply valves, andconstructed to perform the following steps to create a ridable wave witha peak: a. actuating a first air supply valve in the plurality to injectair into a first chamber in the plurality of pneumatic wave generatingchambers thereby releasing water into the pool; b. after a delay,actuating a second air supply valve in the plurality to inject air intoa second chamber in the plurality of pneumatic wave generating chambersthereby releasing water into the pool; wherein steps (a) and (b) arebased on the wave sequence profile.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein: the pool comprising a beach; the plurality of chambers have achamber face that forms a chamber edge of the pool opposite to thebeach, wherein a projection of the chamber edge across the pool to thebeach defines an area, the pool comprising a region that extends awayfrom the area; the peak travels into the region.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein: the plurality of chambers have a chamber face thatforms a chamber edge of the pool, wherein the pool extends away from theplurality of chambers in a direction parallel to the chamber face,forming a region; and the peak travels into the region.
 5. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein the pool has a floor, the floor comprising a firstportion and a second portion, wherein the first portion has a steeperslope than the second portion; and wherein the first portion ispositioned closer to the plurality of chambers than the second portion.6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pool has a floor, the floorcomprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the secondportion has a steeper slope than the first portion; and wherein thefirst portion is positioned closer to the plurality of chambers than thesecond portion.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controllergenerates a graphical model of the wave based on the wave sequenceprofile.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a wave creation moduleallows the operator to modify the wave sequence profile after thecontroller generates the graphical model.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the wave sequence profile is created on a separate device fromthe controller.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising asource of pressurized air connected to the plurality of air supplyvalves.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2, the controller performing thefollowing steps: (a)(1) after step (a), actuating the first chamber inthe plurality to draw water from the pool; (b)(1) after step (b),actuating the second chamber in the plurality to draw water from thepool;
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein step (a)(1) is performed bydepressurizing the first chamber in the plurality; and step (b)(1) isperformed by depressurizing the second chamber in the plurality.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 11, comprising a plurality of venting valvesconnected to the plurality of pneumatic wave generating chambers andconnected to the controller, wherein step (a)(1) is performed byactuating a first venting valve in the plurality; and step (b)(1) isperformed by actuating a second venting valve in the plurality.
 14. Anaquatic sports apparatus, comprising: a pool; a plurality of pneumaticwave generating chambers constructed to release water into the pool; aplurality of air supply valves; a wave sequence profile comprisinginstructions to actuate the air supply valves in the plurality accordingto a sequence; and a controller connected to the plurality of air supplyvalves, and wherein the controller perform the following steps: tocreate a first ridable wave with a peak: a. actuating a first air supplyvalve in the plurality to inject air into a first chamber in theplurality of pneumatic wave generating chambers thereby releasing waterinto the pool; b. after a delay, actuating a second air supply valve inthe plurality to inject air into a second chamber in the plurality ofpneumatic wave generating chambers thereby releasing water into thepool; to create a second ridable wave with a peak: c. actuating a thirdair supply valve in the plurality to inject air into a third chamber inthe plurality of pneumatic wave generating chambers thereby releasingwater into the pool; d. after a delay, actuating a fourth air supplyvalve in the plurality to inject air into a fourth chamber in theplurality of pneumatic wave generating chambers thereby releasing waterinto the pool; wherein steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) are based on the wavesequence profile; wherein the first wave comprises a first peaktraveling in a first direction and the second wave comprises a secondpeak traveling in a second direction that is different than the firstdirection.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pool has a floor,the floor comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein thefirst portion has a steeper slope than the second portion; and whereinthe first portion is positioned closer to the plurality of chambers thanthe second portion.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pool hasa floor, the floor comprising a first portion and a second portion,wherein the second portion has a steeper slope than the first portion;and wherein the first portion is positioned closer to the plurality ofchambers than the second portion.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14 furthercomprising a source of pressurized air connected to the plurality of airsupply valves.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, the controller performingthe following steps: (a)(1) after step (a), actuating the first chamberin the plurality to draw water from the pool; (b)(1) after step (b),actuating the second chamber in the plurality to draw water from thepool;
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein step (a)(1) is performed bydepressurizing the first chamber in the plurality; and step (b)(1) isperformed by depressurizing the second chamber in the plurality.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 18, comprising a plurality of venting valvesconnected to the plurality of pneumatic wave generating chambers andconnected to the controller, wherein step (a)(1) is performed byactuating a first venting valve in the plurality; and step (b)(1) isperformed by actuating a second venting valve in the plurality.